BASIC BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS

~~Back to School
Going back to school is an exciting time for children as they look forward to entering the next grade level, seeing their friends and meeting new people. Yet it can also be a time of unforeseen dangers. By teaching children basic back to school rules and tips regarding their safety, they enter this exciting time with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe while enjoying this special time and throughout the school year.
Safety Tips for Traveling To and From School
Whether your child walks to school, takes a bus or you drive them in a car, reviewing the following safety tips with them makes traveling to and from school a safer experience
Walking to School – Tips for Parents
If you feel your child does not have adequate pedestrian skills to walk to school, either walk with them until you are confident in their ability or make alternate arrangements for getting them to and from school.
• If a child is young or entering a new school, walk the child to school until you are comfortable with them walking by themselves.
• Practice the route with your child if they are young or new to the school.
• Make sure the route your child takes is safe and has a crossing guard at intersections.
Walking to School – Tips for Children
• Never take a short cut through a wooded area. Stay on the route you practiced with your parents.
• Walk to school with a friend or a group of friends.
• Wearing light or brightly colored clothing increases your visibility to drivers
Traveling by School Bus
• Never step off the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop.
• Always use the seat belt if the bus if equipped with them.
• Do not move around in the bus. Stay sitting in your seat.
• When leaving the school bus stay in view of the driver and always cross the street in front of the bus.
• Even though traffic should stop for a school bus, always check both ways before crossing.
Riding to School in a Car
• Whether you are driving your children or carpooling, make sure each child is securely strapped into their seatbelt. Younger children need the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age or size.
• Have each child exit the car using the door on the curbside so they are not stepping out of the car into traffic.
• Do not leave the school until your child, or all those in the carpool, are safely inside the school building.
Backpack Safety
Backpacks have become a staple of back to school accessories. They are great for carrying books and other essential school items and are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, designs and styles. Yet these useful bags are potentially harmful if not used correctly causing possible shoulder or neck injuries, back pain and muscle and joint strains. The following tips on backpack safety help reduce the chance of injury:
• When a backpack is fully loaded, it should not weigh more than 15 to 20 percent of the child's body weight.
• Never carry a backpack over one shoulder using only one strap. Always wear a backpack using both shoulder straps.
• If a backpack has a waist strap, use it.
• Choose a backpack with wide straps. The best choice is a backpack with a padded back and padded straps
• Use all of the compartments in the backpack to distribute the weight of the contents more evenly.
The following are a few general back to school safety tips:
• Talk to your children and reinforce the rules of stranger danger
• Make sure not to pack foods for lunch or snacks that spoil quickly.
• Talk to your child about bullies and bullying. Explain to them what to do if a situation arises